A helicopter has to have some way to counter the torque from the large blades on top that provide lift. Otherwise the body will spin in the opposite direction of the main blade and it will not fly. That's what it sounds like yours is doing.
If it has a large and small rotor, the counter rotation is controlled by the small vertical blades on the back. Make sure both blades are turning and that they aren't bent. The aerodynamics of a helicopter are such that the blades have to be synchronized perfectly for it to fly.
Answered Dec 16, 2011
Edited Dec 16, 2011
Thank you for your answer. This copter will fly, it will go up in a pretty stable way, but the body spins. Also, the blades on the back are horizontal, not vertical. Vertical would make a ton more sense to me. Not only are they horizontal, but they do not spin at all. Looks like it's just there for looks. Overall, I purchased the copter for a small price, and I suppose, I'm getting what I paid for, unfortunately.
On another side note, my husband noticed a small plastic piece connecting the top set of blades to the bar that spins above that top set of blades. On the opposite side of that spot, there are knobs, as if there is supposed to be another connector there, but no connector. Don't know where we would even get a replacement piece since there is absolutely NO contact information on the box, and as I listed before, no manual. (Again: You get what you pay for) I suppose you can't listen to complaints, if you don't give the consumer any way to contact you! =)
The link below to ABC toys shows that product and has a link to a contact page at the bottom.
http://www.123abctoys.com/FXDA68679.htm
Thank you for your help! 123abctoys is the manufacturer I take it. I will contact them to see how they can help.
For reference, the obscure missing piece I was trying to describe is highlighted with a red arrow: http://i40.tinypic.com/4kdykj.jpg
That's a gyro-copter. Keeping the body from spinning in the opposite direction depends on the two large blades turning in opposite directions at the same speed. If one is dragging or slipping it will do what you describe. Also the horizontal small blade that steers it could make it turn in circles if it is damaged or bent. Hope you get some help from ABC Toys
